on so many battlefields, especially at Mayree’s Hill and Zoar Church, that it was with the greatest sorrow they heard of his death.  Captain Doby had seemed to live a charmed life while riding through safely the storms upon storms of the enemy’s battles, that it made it doubly sad to think of his dying at the hands of his mistaken friends.  On this same plank road, only a few miles distant, General Jackson lost his life one year before, under similar circumstances, and at the hands of the same troops.  Had it not been for the coolness of General Kershaw in riding out to where he heard Jenkins’ rifles clicking to return the fire, and called out, “Friends,” it would be difficult to tell, what might have been the result.

To show the light in which the actions of Kershaw’s Brigade were held in thus throwing itself between Lee and impending disaster at this critical moment, and stemming the tide of battle single-handed and alone, until his lines were formed, I will quote an extract from an unprejudiced and impartial eye witness, Captain J.F.J.  Caldwell, who in his “History of McGowan’s Brigade” pays this glowing but just tribute to Kershaw and his men.  In speaking of the surprise and confusion in which a part of Hill’s Corps was thrown, be says: 

“We were now informed that Longstreet was near at hand, with twenty-five thousand fresh men.  This was good matter to rally on.  We were marched to the plank road by special order of General Hill; but just as we were crossing it, we received orders to return to the left.  We saw General Longstreet riding down the road towards us, followed by his column of troops.  The firing of the enemy, of late rather scattering, now became fierce and incessant, and we could hear a reply to it from outside.  Kershaw’s South Carolina Brigade, of McLaws’ (afterwards Kershaw’s) Division, had met them.  The fire on both sides of the road increased to a continuous roar.  Kershaw’s Brigade was extended across the road, and received the grand charge of the Federals.  Members of that Brigade have told me that the enemy rushed upon them at the double-quick, huzzahing loudly.  The woods were filled with Confederate fugatives.  Three brigades of Wilcox’s Division and all of Heath’s were driven more or less rapidly, crowding together in hopeless disorder, and only to be wondered at when any of them attempted to make a stand.  Yet Kershaw’s Brigade bore themselves with illustrious gallantry.  Some of the regiments had not only to deploy under fire, but when they were formed, to force their way through crowds of flying men, and re-established their lines.  They met Grant’s legions, opened a cool and murderous fire upon them, and continued it so steadily and resolutely, that the latter were compelled to give back.  Here I honestly believe the Army of Northern Virginia was saved!  The brigade sustained a heavy loss, beginning with many patient, gallant spirits in the ranks and culminating in Nance, Gaillard, and Doby.”